Kastoria: things to do, the lake, the cave and getting there from Thessaloniki
A quiet lake city in northern Greece with mansions, Byzantine churches and a cave. What to see, when to go and how to get there from Thessaloniki.
- Kastoria sits on a peninsula in Lake Orestiada, with a 9 km lake road.
- Dragon's Cave, the Byzantine Museum and the Doltso and Apozari quarters.
- About 2.5 hours by bus from Thessaloniki; best in autumn.
Kastoria suits a quiet autumn or winter weekend as part of a northern Greece trip. Fly to Thessaloniki and continue by car or bus.
What is Kastoria?
Kastoria is a small city in north-western Greece, in Western Macedonia, built like an amphitheatre on a narrow peninsula in Lake Orestiada, between the Grammos and Vitsi mountains. It grew rich from the fur trade, which left grand mansions and Byzantine churches behind. It is quiet, green and not touristy: ideal for an autumn or winter weekend.
Things to do in Kastoria
- The lake road: about 9 km around the peninsula, to walk or cycle. Over 200 bird species live around the lake.
- Dragon's Cave: a cave of about 300 metres with stalactites, on the road around the peninsula.
- Byzantine Museum: icons and wooden iconostases from the city's churches, mostly 12th to 14th century. According to Wander-Lush (2025): open 8:30–15:30, closed Tuesdays, €4.
- Byzantine churches: of 72 Byzantine and medieval churches built in the city, 54 still stand. Most are locked; museum staff can sometimes open some.
- Doltso and Apozari: 17th-century mansions (archontika), many marked with brown signs.
- Tsiatsiapas Mansion: a restored Ottoman house with original wall paintings. Same source: 8:30–15:30, closed Tuesdays, €3.
Hours and prices can change, so check before you go.
When to visit Kastoria
The city is at its best in autumn, when the trees around the lake change colour. Winter is cold, sometimes snowy, and the time for cafés and mountain atmosphere. It is quiet out of season, so rooms are easy to find. See Greece in winter.
How to get to Kastoria
- From Thessaloniki: KTEL Makedonia bus from Thessaloniki's intercity bus station, about 2.5 hours, about €17.60 (according to Wander-Lush). A car is easier and lets you combine Edessa.
- By air: Kastoria has a small airport (Aristotelis), about 3 km from the centre, with limited domestic routes.
- From Athens: about 650 km. Better to fly to Thessaloniki and continue.
Thessaloniki has direct flights from Israel: flights to Thessaloniki from Israel.
Combine it with
Kastoria fits a northern Greece trip with Thessaloniki, Meteora and Ioannina. With a car you can build a loop of a few days. See car rental in Greece.
Kosher and Shabbat
We found no Chabad house or kosher restaurant in Kastoria. The nearest is Chabad of Thessaloniki. Bring food from Thessaloniki or order from e-kosher.gr. Candle-lighting times on Shabbat times & kosher in Greece.
FAQ
How long from Thessaloniki to Kastoria? About 2.5 hours by KTEL bus, a little less by car.
What is there to do in Kastoria? Walk around the lake, visit the Dragon's Cave and the Byzantine Museum, and explore the Doltso and Apozari quarters with their old mansions.
When is Kastoria most beautiful? In autumn, when the trees around the lake are colourful. Winter is lovely too, but cold.
Is there kosher food in Kastoria? We found none. The nearest is Chabad of Thessaloniki, and e-kosher.gr delivers.
